1872.] H. Blochmann — Koch Bihdr and Asam. 87 
down the mountain caused the men great inconvenience. Nay, the enemies 
were even hold enough to shew themselves near Ghargaon, and it required 
every care on the part of Mir Murtaza to prevent mischief. 
Gh&zi Khan, the TMnahdar of Deopani, who had 20 horse and 50 foot, 
was attacked by 10 or 12,000 Asamese, under the son of the Bargosain’s bro- 
ther. Their leader was at the time of the attack far in advance of his men, 
and encountered Ibrahim Khan, one of Ghazi Khan’s men, gave his horse a 
swordcut over the head, and brought Ibrahim down. But jumping up quick- 
ly, Ibrahim ran against the leader, threw him on the ground, and finished him 
with his dagger. The Asamese saw their leader fall, and without coming to 
his assistance, retreated and watched for a better opportunity. 
At this time, the population of Ghargdon, Mat’hurapur, and Adam 
Khan’s thanahs commenced to leave their houses at night. 
A rumour was also current that Bhim Narain of Koch Bihar had returned 
and driven away the Imperialists. The rumour proved in the end to be true. 
The officer in charge of Koch Bihar, after the Nawdb had left, commenced the 
jam' hand), (financial settlement) of the country ; but the people did not under- 
stand the now way of assessing them, and dispersed in rebellion ; and when the 
Rajah returned to the foot of the hills, they gathered round him, and attacked 
and killed Muhammad Qalih, the Officer who, at Kanthalbari, tried to 
intercept the Rajah. They then cut off the supplies of Isfandiar Khan. 
The Rajah wrote to him that he should not unnecessarily court danger, and 
would do better to retreat ; and Isfandiar profiting by his advice, retreated 
to G’horag’hat. ’Askar Khan soon followed him. 
The Nawab strengthened Ghazi Khan’s thanali by a detachment under 
Abul Hasan, Mirza Beg’s JchaM (maternal uncle) ; for the Asamese had 
thrown up trenches opposite the tlianah, and were continually on the alert. 
Another detachment under Sayyid Salar was sent to Ghargaon. 
IX. 
Farh&d Khan marches towards Lak'hugar, and returns safely. 
The Nawab, on hearing the result of Muhammad Murad’s expedition, 
despatched Farhad Khan and Qarawal Khan with a strong detachment 
towards Lak’hugar, to keep the roads clear for the supplies. They were also 
to assist Sarandaz Khan in getting to Gajpur, and send reinforcements to the 
thanahs under Mir Nurullah and Muhammad Muqim. 
On the 18th Shawwal, [27th May, 1662] Farhad Khan, in spite of a 
dreadful storm, reached Ghargaon, crossed the same night the Dik’ho, took 
U P Abul Hasan, who was on his way from Deopani to head quarters, and 
reached with great trouble Mauza’ Tik, which lies between Taramhani and 
Gajpu r , Sarandaz Klian joined the corps. The Asamese made their ap- 
